St Clare's, Oxford

Gabbitas Consultant Review

St Clare’s is an international sixth form college offering pre-IB, IB and a wide range of summer courses to students from all over the world. They have 15% British students and have 40 different nationalities studying their IB courses, with careful monitoring to ensure there are not too many of any one nationality. St Clare’s is very much an ‘international’ college so is not a typical ‘English’ boarding school, but if parents are looking for top notch IB teaching and learning within a truly international and 100% boarding environment 7 days a week, it is hard to think of anywhere that could be recommended any more highly than St Clare’s. There are 115 pupils in each of the 2 years of the IB course, as well as about 20 students studying pre-IB as they are too young to start the IB course or they need to boost their understanding of English before starting the IB course.

There is no entrance exam. Entry is by visit to the school for interview and supplying the last 2 years school reports. They are not selective but expect an enquiring mind, desire to work hard and an interest in taking advantage of a wide variety of activities etc to make the most of the full IB programme. As part of the 150 hours of CAS that must be done for the IB there are 130 activities for the students to engage in based all over North Oxford.

During the lessons I visited there was very interesting and engaging discussion going on between the students and the teachers giving the impression of a highly interactive teaching style. Class sizes are a maximum of 10 pupils, so there is plenty of opportunity for one-to-one support encouraging all to achieve the best results of which they are capable. Resources are excellent with a comprehensive range of books and periodicals in a whole range of languages. The whole site has wireless internet so students are encouraged to have their own laptops.

All students are boarders, living in houses with single or double rooms, maximum 26 students living in each house, surrounding the main school building which is in North Oxford, very close to the centre of Oxford. The boarding pastoral care seemed very strong indeed. Students have freedom to socialize, being encouraged to take responsibility for themselves by doing their own laundry for example, but there are very strict curfew etc rules with sanctions if broken.

In conclusion, I was extremely impressed with the warm, friendly atmosphere, coupled by an obvious enthusiasm for learning amongst the students. With 30 years under their belt teaching the IB, and only that to concentrate on in terms of programmes of study, it is very clear that St Clare’s has been able to create the perfect learning environment and supportive pastoral structure to nurture teenagers through their sixth form years, enabling them to excel to the greatest extent of their capabilities. What an amazing platform from which to launch students into their university careers!

Gabbitas Consultant Review